Police in the UK will soon be cruising the streets in a three-wheeled motorcycle powered solely by electricity as part of an initiative supported by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK.
The motorcycles are coming to life thanks to a partnership between Mahle Powertrain and White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC). Each bike starts out as a Yamaha Tricity 300 that has its combustion engine replaced by an all-electric powertrain from Mahle.
The powertrain manufacturer is using advanced simulation technology to determine the optimal powertrain specifications for the bike. It is also investigating the use of traction motors and charger systems, as well as slow-charging and ultra-fast charging technologies. One solution that Mahle is considering is integrating a traction motor and transmission into the rear swing-arm. Mahle is targeting an operating range of around 100 miles (160 km).
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WMC and Mahle have previously worked together with the Northamptonshire Police on a hybrid three-wheeled motorcycle. Like that bike, as well as WMC’s electric land speed record bike, the new electric bike being developed for the police will use a venturi duct that passes through the center of the motorcycle to significantly reduce drag and improve performance and efficiency.
“The hybrid three-wheeled bikes we now have in our fleet are providing an alternative, practical and very visible way for our neighborhood police officers to get out and about in their communities,” Northamptonshire Police chief constable and UK Police lead for motorcycles, Nick Adderley, said. “We need to continue to ensure we are prepared for the future with a sustainable fleet that not only meets the green agenda but also enables us to deliver the policing service our communities need and want. Our close involvement in these developments ensures the operational vehicle meets our specific requirements and I look forward to seeing the output from this study.”
